Most gala fundraising events follow a predictable format of dinner and speeches. But to make an impact on an audience of 1,500, you need more than an speaker droning on. That was demonstrated by a simple presentation at Habitat for Humanity of Denver’s Raise the Roof gala Wednesday night.

When former first lady Rosalynn Carter gave Angel Meza the key to her new home, it was a powerful moment. Meza, with her four children joining her on the stage, was both humbled and proud.

It has been a big week for Habitat locally, given that it was part of the Carter Work Project 2013. The weeklong event has former president Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn joined by both celebrities and thousands of volunteers to build homes from coast to coast. In Denver’s Globeville neighborhood, work will continue through Friday to erect 11 townhomes and repair 15 existing homes.